Centre for Human, ComputerInteraction.
Introduction
Allen Newell, Herbert A. Simon, and Alan J. Perlis documented a letter to the journal Science in 1967 entitled "What is Computer Science?" In this letter, these researchers articulated that computer science, a novel discipline, should include an investigation of the phenomena surrounding computers, not just the theory and design of the computation devices themselves
The interdisciplinary field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) investigates this phenomenon surrounding computers. HCI is a field of study that focuses on designing, developing, and evaluating computer systems and other interactive technologies that people use.
It is an interdisciplinary field that combines concepts and methods from computer science, cognitive science, AI, design, engineering, and other related fields.
HCI aims to create computer systems and other interactive technologies that are easy to use, efficient, and effective for human users.
Most recently, IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation (iHub), a section-8 company, was created by the Government of India on the IIT Mandi campus with a mission to make IIT Mandi a “go-to” place in India for technology development, skill development, translation, and commercialization in the HCI area.
Objectives
Outcome-based Research
One of the primary objectives of the HCI Centre is to conduct outcome-based research in human-computer interaction that address societal needs. The research plans to focus on cognitive technologies, brain-computer interfaces, cognitive enhancement, different modalities of smell, taste, and touch, virtual and augmented reality, social computing, machine learning, and intelligent user interfaces.
Train Students and Professionals
Another objective of the HCI Centre is to train the next generation of HCI researchers and practitioners. The Centre plans to offer Certificate, Master, and Ph.D. programs, specializations, training programs, and workshops to students and professionals in the field of HCI.
Foster Collaborations
The HCI Centre will foster collaboration among researchers, academics, industry professionals, and other stakeholders. The Centre plans to host seminars, conferences, and workshops to bring together experts in the field of HCI and provide a platform for exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge. This can promote interdisciplinary collaboration, essential for solving complex problems in HCI.
Improve User Experience
The HCI Centre will work towards improving the user experience of interactive technologies. The Centre will conduct usability studies, user experience evaluations, and accessibility testing to identify and address issues that may hinder the usability and effectiveness of interactive systems. .
Address Societal Challenges
The HCI Centre will address societal challenges by developing HCI solutions that positively impact society. The Centre will focus on accessibility, health, education, defense and security, environment, sustainability, etc., and develop technologies that can significantly impact people's lives.
Resource Generation
The HCI Centre will try to generate monetary resources via teaching, skill development, research, and leasing the bleeding-edge lab equipment and other facilities to become self-sustaining over time eventually.
Centre for Human, Computer Interaction.